Kotkaniemi scores in OT to force game 7

*Photo from TSN*

Series tied 3-3

   The Montreal Canadiens rallied once again to keep their season alive. Tyler Toffoli scored, Jesperi Kotkaniemi scored the winner, and the Canadiens defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2 in overtime on Saturday night. Corey Perry also scored for Montreal.

   Kotkaniemi said of scoring the season saving goal that "It was pretty remarkable. It was a great feeling, especially with the fans in the stands.”

   Montreal did host around 2,500 fans for game 6, the first Canadian sporting event to have fans in the building for the game since March 10, 2020.

   Toffoli said of having fans back that "It was pretty cool going out for warmups and seeing them, seeing the towels go. They were fired up and they definitely gave us that emotion to start the game. And I thought we played really good. Obviously, a couple of tough bounces, but we stuck with it, and obviously a big goal by KK.”

   Perry started the scoring late, making it 1-0 Montreal 5:26 into the 3rd period. Toffoli then scored at 6:43 of the 3rd, giving Montreal a sudden 2-0 lead. After they blew that lead, Kotkaniemi scored in OT for the Canadiens win.

   Carey Price saved 41 out of 43 shots for the Canadiens, earning the win despite blowing another lead in the 3rd period. They also won despite being outshot 13-2 in overtime.

   Jason Spezza got the Maple Leafs on the board 11:35 into the 3rd period, cutting the deficit to 2-1 in favor of Montreal. TJ Brodie then scored his first goal of the playoffs to tie it at 2-2, before ultimately losing in OT.

   Toronto forward Auston Matthews said "It’s obviously frustrating losing the game. But battling back the way we did, and we obviously had plenty of chances, it’s a game of inches out there in overtime to obviously end the game, and we couldn’t get it done.”

   Jack Campbell was hit with the overtime loss for the Maple Leafs, saving 28 of 31 shots, for a .903 save percentage. After leading the series 3-1, Toronto now needs to win in game 7 to secure a matchup with the Winnipeg Jets.

   Game 7 will take place Monday night, with a second round matchup with the Winnipeg Jets on the line.